[jb122894]

Hey guys,

So I was thinking of buying a Grizzly (probably G0704) milling machine and converting it to a CNC. There are a lot of tutorials and my friend has made one with a grizzly so I could potentially have some help there. There is a lot of hobby stuff I would like to do with for gunsmithing, RC cars, and automotive which is what got me interested into the CNC stuff. I also think that it could be a nice source of income on the side if I sold some parts. Over the years in these 3 hobbies I have seen people sell parts that I thought were overpriced and that I could make for less if I had a CNC. If I was able to buy a G0704 used for under $1000 and have potentially have my friend CNC me some of the components to convert it I think I could be up and running under $2500. I would need bits and most likely a flood coolant setup on top of that. Do you think that if I already have a list of products that I'm wanting to produce that it could potentially work?

I appreciate all input.

Thanks,
Jack

[skullworks]

Have you been fixturing, setting up and programming a CNC mill before? Have you worked the the supply side? Do you know your local material suppliers, tool dealers and where to order your consumables? If not then I would say your first 5 years will be learning curve and you won't make any overall profit during that time.

It can be hard enough for people who work in the trade to step out on there own for some side work, or go independent. Also there is tax laws, EPA regs, zoning issues, HOA issues and so much more.